Hong Kong as the stage for APAIE 2026

The APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition welcomes over 3,500 delegates from 72 countries and regions to discuss key issues and emerging trends in higher education.

The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition returned to Hong Kong after thirteen years, and it did so in a record-breaking fashion. The Office of Academic Links was responsible for this major project.

With CUHK serving as the lead local host and seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities as co-hosts, APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition, themed ‘Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good’, was successfully held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23 to 27 February 2026. It was the biggest APAIE conference to date, welcoming over 3,500 delegates from 72 countries and regions.

Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities jointly host a ‘Study in Hong Kong’ pavilion, promoting the brand worldwide.

The opportunity to connect with peer institutions attracted more than 600 exhibiting organisations from around the world. With over 120 sessions, the conference provided a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, best practices and latest developments shaping international education worldwide. The conference also featured a keynote speech, concurrent sessions, round-table discussions, workshops, networking events and visits to local university campuses, giving participants an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s educational advantages and opportunities.

A reception at the Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates the launch of the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ Week.

Bringing together all eight UGC-funded universities, CUHK was able to highlight Hong Kong’s world-class academic excellence and cosmopolitan character. CUHK also received unflagging support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the UGC, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. As a founding APAIE member and the 2026 conference lead host, CUHK reaffirmed its commitment to developing impactful global partnerships and nurturing future global citizens.

The Office of Academic Links plays a key role in the planning and delivery of the APAIE Conference.

Reflecting on the 18-month journey of planning this major international event, Ms. Shally Fan, Director of Academic Links (Global), is delighted that it was a resounding success. From securing support and sponsorship, developing the conference theme, designing the plenary and other sessions, to attending to every fine detail that ensured delegates had the best experience possible, every stage of the planning process was meticulously managed. Unlike her experience in organising the conference 13 years ago, this year’s conference had a broader government mandate to promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand which required engagement with many stakeholders. The project has been immensely rewarding for Ms. Fan and her colleagues at the Office of Academic Links, whose unwavering support she deeply appreciates.

Revisit the highlights of APAIE 2026 here: